DE Sam Montgomery (Bednarik, Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi): The best defensive lineman on perhaps the nation's best defensive line, Montgomery is LSU's leader in sacks (4) and is second in tackles for loss (9).

DE Barkevious Mingo (Bednarik, Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi): He has three sacks, four tackles for loss and nine quarterback hurries. He's been effective, but probably needs numbers to stay in the race.

FS Eric Reid (Bednarik, Nagurski): He's had 50 tackles, two interceptions and four passes broken up and has led a young secondary that has leaned on his experience.

C P.J. Lonergan (Rimington): With LSU's offensive line enjoying a resurgence, it could benefit his candidacy.

K Drew Alleman (Lou Groza): At 12-for-17, Alleman already has more misses than a season ago, when a 16-for-18 season got him on this season's watch list.

P Brad Wing (Ray Guy): He's averaging 44.1 yards per punt, a good average, but LSU has not had the dominant season in punt coverage it had last season. He's had seven touchbacks and 13 punts inside the 20. Last year, it was five touchbacks and 27 punts inside the 20.

DT Bennie Logan (Outland): With two sacks, five tackles for loss and 21 total tackles, Logan has been his usual solid self, with more production this season.

LB Kevin Minter (Butkus): The team's leader in tackles (75) has a team-high 9.5 tackles for loss to go with 3.5 sacks, an interception, four passes broken up and three quarterback hurries. He was named a semifinalist earlier this week.